Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/ZrC/TiC hybrid nanocomposite filler metals of tungsten inert gas welding fabricated by accumulative roll bonding

Abstract In this study, a new type of nanocomposite tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding filler metals with a matrix of 4043 aluminum alloy and hybrid reinforcement of ZrC and TiC nanoparticles was fabricated for the first time by accumulative roll bonding (ARB). After welding, microstructural characterizations were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposite welds were investigated by tensile and microhardness tests. The microstructural observations revealed that employing the ARB process has led to a significant grain refinement and a uniform distribution of the ceramic nanoparticles in the weld. The test results showed that using Al/ZrC/TiC hybrid nanocomposite filler metals improved considerably the tensile strength of weld.